Evaluating human liver reserve function by measuring serum concentrations of phenacetin and its metabolites.

Objectives: To evaluate human liver reserve function (LRF) by a simple and efficient method for measuring serum concentrations of phenacetin and its metabolites.

Methods: Overall 20 patients with liver cirrhosis (Child-Pugh score ≥ 7, aged 48-79 years), 30 healthy young volunteers (aged 18-40 years), and 20 healthy elderly volunteers (aged 61-80 years) were enrolled. All participants received a single oral dose of 0.